Control circuit for electrical merchandising machines



2,895,582 CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR ELECTRIEJAL MERCHANDISING MACHINES Filed April 25, 1951 July 21, 1959 J. w. TURNER 3 Sheets-Sheet l m &

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11 Claims. (Cl. 194-7) My invention relates to a control circuit for electrical merchandising machines, and more particularly to an electrical control circuit adapted to be energized by means of coins, or combinations of coins, of appropriate denominations so that upon the actuation of a push button prime movers will be operated to deliver the merchandise, to accept the coins and to deliver change represented by the difference in value between the aggregate sum of the coins deposited and the price of the merchandise being vended by the machine.

Attempts of the prior art to provide electrical control circuits have been complicated in that an extremely large number of relays was employed. Most of the electrical control devices for merchandising machines of the prior art, furthermore, employed complicated and expensive mechanical components and have, besides being expensive to construct and difficult to maintain, been inflexible in their design.

One object of my invention is to provide a control circuit for electrical merchandising machines which is simple in construction, sure in operation and inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object of my invention is to provide a control circuit for electrical mechandising machines which is very flexible and which can be quickly and easily set to vend merchandise at a plurality of different prices from a plurality of different columns from the same machine.

Another object of my invention is to provide a control circuit for electrical merchandising machines which will automatically, upon the deposit of a coin or coins of correct minimum value and the pressing of a push button, initiate the delivery of the merchandise and operate change devices to give correct change in event that the value of the coins deposited exceeds the value of the merchandise being vended.

Another object of my invention is to provide a control circuit for electrical merchandising machines in which the push button circuit is automatically de-energized whenever the vending cycle starts, in order to preclude obtaining two articles for the price of one.

Another object of my invention is to provide a control circuit for electrical merchandising machines in which the possibility of obtaining change when it is not called for is eliminated.

A further object of my invention is to provide an electrical control circuit for merchandising machines in which prices of merchandise of respective columns of a multi-columned machine may be quickly and easily changed by a simple manual adjustment.

Other and further objects of my invention will appear from the following description.

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the instant specification and which are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of one control circuit for electrical merchandising machines embodying my invention.

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Figure 1A is a diagrammatic view of the remainder of a control circuit for electrical merchandising machines, the other portion of which is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the price selection panel forming part of my control circuit.

Figure 3 is a sectional View taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

In general, my invention contemplates the provision of a suitable electrical coin register such as the one shown in copending application of Christian Gabrielsen and John F. Morrison, Serial No. 166,045, filed June 3, 1950, now Patent No. 2,677,450, issued May 4, 1954. This electrical coin register is shown diagrammatically in Figure 1 and is adapted to receive coins or combinations of coins comprising in the aggregate at least the value of merchandise being vended. The deposit of the coins energizes appropriate holding relays. This represents a major advance in the art of electrical coin circuits over the prior art in which it was necessary that all of the coins comprising the purchase price be in position in the register. With my control circuit, if a coin makes a momentary contact at any time during its position in the register, the vending cycle will be adapted to be operated upon the pressing of a push button. In this manner it is not necessary to maintain continuous contact electrically of the coins in the coin register. After the proper number of coins have been placed in the coin register and the holding relays have been energized, a selection may be made by the purchaser. My control circuit is such that after a selection has been made the push button circuit becomes de-energized so that no further selections may be made, and then the money in the coin register is accepted, the delivery motor is energized and the change maker is operated; Furthermore, a change-protection relay will be operated to prevent change from being given when it is not required, or to prevent duplications in the dispensing of change.

More particularly, referring now to the drawings, an electrical coin register indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 and shown in dotted line outline may be of any suitable construction, preferably that shown in the Gabrielsen et al. application mentioned above. For purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation, I will describe my circuit in connection with a coin register adapted to vend merchandise at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 for any combination of coins comprising nickels, dimes and quarters. For example, a 5 purchase may be effected by the deposit of a single nickel, by the deposit of a dime, in which case a nickel in change will be given, or by the deposit of a quarter, in which case four nickels in change will be given. For a 10 purchase my electrical control circuit can be operated by two nickels, a dime or a quarter. In the case of a quarter, three nickels in change will be given. For a 15 purchase three nickels, a dime and a nickel, two dimes or a quarter must be deposited to operate my control circuit. In the case of two dimes, a nickel in change will be given, and in the case of a quarter two nickels in change will be given. A 20 purchase may be effected by the deposit of four nickels, a dime and two nickels, two dimes or by a quarter. In the case of a quarter, one nickel in change will be given. A 25 purchase can be effected with my electrical control circuit by means of five nickels, two dimes and one nickel, three nickels and one dime, or by a quarter, no change being given in any of these instances. The coin register shown diagrammatically in Figure 1 and indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 has means for positioning coins opposite the first pair of dime contacts 12 across which the first dime is adapted to complete the circuit. A pair of second dime contacts 14 is provided. The first pair of nickel contacts is indicated by the reference numeral 16. Similarly,

, the contacts for the second, third, fourth and fifth nickels areindicated by the reference numerals 18, 20, 22 and 24. The pair of contacts 26 are adapted to be bridged by the deposit of a quarter. Associated with the electrical coin register I provide a plurality of multi-contact relays indicated generally by the reference numerals 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 37. The windings and associated switch contacts of the respective relays 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, and 37 are enclosed in broken-line boxes in Figure 1 to indicate which of the switch contacts are operated by the respective relay windings. The solenoid winding 38 controls the normally open contacts 41, 42 and 43 of the relay 28, the arrangement being such that upon the energization of the winding 38, these contacts will be closed. The winding 40 controls normally open contacts 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49 such that upon the energization of the winding 40 these contacts will be closed. The energization of winding 62 of relay 32 controls normally open contact 50, normally closed contact 51 and normally open contacts 52, 53, 54 and 55. The arrangement is such that upon the energization of winding 62 contacts 50, 52, 53, 54 and 55 will be closed and contact 51 will be opened. The relay winding 64 of relay 34 controls contacts 70, 71, 72, 73 and 74, all of which are normally open, the arrangement being such that when the winding 64 is energized contacts 70, 71, 72, 73 and 74 will be closed. The winding 66 of relay 36 controls normally open contacts 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 and 80. The arrangement is such that when the winding 66 is energized the normally open contacts 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 and 80 will be closed. The energization of winding 67 of relay 37 controls normally open contacts 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 and 87. Upon the energization of winding 67 the contacts 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 and 87 will be closed. A relay indicated generally by the reference numeral 90 is provided with a relay winding 100 which controls normally open contacts 91, 92, 93, 94 and 95. Switch contacts 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95 and winding 100 are enclosed in a broken-line box in Figure 1 to indicate that these switch contacts are operated by winding 100. A relay indicated generally by the reference numeral 96 is provided with a Winding 106 which controls normally open contacts 97 and 98. Contacts 97 and 98 and winding 106 are enclosed in a broken-line boX to indicate that these contacts 97 and 98 are operated by winding 106. The energization of winding 100 will close contacts 91, 92, 93, 94 and 95 of relay 90, and the energization of winding 106 of relay 96 will close contacts 97 and 98. Contacts 99, 101, 102 and 103 are normally opened and adapted to be closed by a cam 104 shown in Figure 1A which is operated by delivery motor 105. The operative engagement between cam 104 and switches 99, 101, 102, and 103 is indicated schematically in Figure 1 by a linkage 104a. The cam 104 is also adapted to close normally open contact 107 and to open normally closed contact 109. The respective operative engagements between cam 104 and switch contacts 107 and 109 are indicated in Figure 1A schematically by linkages 1041; and 1040. The cam 104 is provided with a re-entrant portion 108 which at the beginning of the cycle permits contacts 99, 101, 102, 103 and 107 to be opened and contact 109 to be closed. As soon as the delivery motor 105 is started, as will be described more fully hereinafter, the cam 104 mechanically closes the contacts 99, 101, 102, 103 and 107 and keeps them closed during the delivery rotation of the delivery motor. The cam also opens contact 109 to de-energize the changegiving circuit after the last change contact has been made. "When the re-entrant portion 108 again comes in register the contacts held closed by 'the cam, namely contacts 99, 101, 102, 103 and 107 will be permitted "to open. This cam action is well understood'by those skilled in the art. A change-protection solenoid 110 is energized whenever the motor is energized. Its energization will open normally closed contacts 111 and 111 through a linkage a, shown in Figures 1 and la. The arrangement is such that as soon as the motor 105 becomes energized the solenoid 110 will become energized and open contacts 111 and 111. This is the change-protection relay. The energization of the motor circuit will also energize relay winding 112 which is the money dump solenoid acting to accept the coins which may be deposited in the register 10. In the circuit shown, five columns are shown for purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation. A manuallyoperated push button associated with each column is provided. These are shown diagrammatically in Figure 1. Push button 121 controls the first column, push button 122 controls the second column, push button 123 controls the third column, push button 124 controls the fourth column, and push button 125 controls the fifth column. The operation of each push button is adapted to close change-making contacts and column switches. A solenoid 126 is associated with the first column. A solenoid 127 is associated with the second column. A solenoid 128 is associated with the third column. A solenoid 129 is associated with the fourth column, and a solenoid 130 is associated with the fifth column. The solenoid 131 is the coin return solenoid. Whenever the coin return button 132 is operated a normally closed contact 133 will be opened to deenergize the delivery portion of the circuit, and a normally open contact 134 will be closed to energize the coin return solenoid 131. This is accomplished through a linkage 132a. Its energization will dump the money deposited in the coin register through a chute to the purchaser, as is well known box, as will occur when the money dump solenoid 112 to the art, instead of depositing the money in the coin is energized.

When push button 121 is pressed, normally open contacts 135, 136 and 137 will be closed and normally closed contact 138 will be opened through linkages 121a and 1211:. Similarly, when push button 122 is pressed, normally open contacts 139, 140 and 141 will be closed and normally closed contact 142 will be opened by linkages 122a and 122b. Likewise, the pressing of push button 123 will close normally open contacts 143, 144 and 145 and open normally closed contact 146 by linkages 123a and 123b. When push button 124 is actuated, normally open contact 147, normally open contact 148 and normally open contact 149 will be closed, and normally closed contact 150 will be opened by linkages 124a and 12411. In the same manner, the pressing of push button 125 will close the normally open contacts 151, 152 and 153 by linkages 125a and 125b. Whenever solenoid 126 is energized it will close normally open contacts and 161 and open normally closed contact 162 through linkages 126a and 126b. Whenever the relay winding 127 is energized, normally open contacts 164 and 163 will be closed, and normally closed contact 165 will be opened by linkages 127a and 1271). Whenever Winding 128 is energized, the normally open contacts 166 and 167 will be closed and the normally closed contact 168 will be opened by linkages 128a and 1281). In a similar manner, whenever the relay winding 129 is energized, the normally open contacts 169 and 170 will be closed and the normally closed contact 171 will be opened through linkages 129a and 12%. Likewise, whenever the relay winding 130 is energized it will close the normally open contacts 172 and 173 and open the normally closed contact 174 through linkages 130a and 13017.

It is to be understood, of course, that my control circuit can be operated by either alternating current or directcurrent. For purposes of simplicity, the flow of the currents in the operation of my circuit will be considered during one portion of the alternating cycle only,

it being understood, of course, that during the opposite polarity of the alternating potential the flow of current is reversed. A transformer indicated generally by the reference numeral 175 is provided with a primary winding 176 which is placed across the terminals 177 and 178 of a source of alternating potential. The secondary winding 180 is connected to a conductor 181 which, for purposes of simplicity, we will consider is always negative or ground, being connected through a fuse 182. The secondary winding 180 is tapped by conductor 183 to supply energy for the operation of my control circuit. This conductor 183 will be considered as the hot wire for purposes of simplicity, and current will always be described as flowing from the hot" side to the ground side. A conductor 184 is also connected to the hot wire 183 to supply energy to the motor 105 when called upon to do so by the control circuit. This conductor 184 also is adapted to supply energy to the moneyaccepting solenoid 112 and the change-protection relay winding 110 whenever the motor 105 is energized.

I provide an empty signal and control system which is energized by conductor 185 connected to the end of the secondary winding 180. The conductor 185 is connected through a fuse 186 and an incandescent signal lamp 187 to a hot wire 188. There are a plurality of parallel circuits, one for each column, connecting the conductor 188 to the conductor 181 through parallel empty switch systems. For the first column the empty switch comprises a normally open contact 190 and a normally closed contact 191. For the second column the empty switch system comprises a normally open contact 192 and a normally closed contact 193. For the third column the empty switch system comprises a normally open contact 194 and a normally closed contact 195. Similarly, the next column is provided with a normally open contact 196 and a normally closed contact 197. The fifth column has an analogous normally open contact 198 and a normally closed contact 199. The arrangement is such that when a column becomes empty of merchandise means are provided by the depletion of merchandise (not shown) well known to the art to operate the switch system associated with that column. For example, if the third column becomes empty, switch 194 is closed and switch 195 is opened. The opening of switch 195 breaks the circuit through the solenoid 128 and makes the circuit across contact 194. When this occurs, current will flow through conductor 185, through the empty signal light 187, through conductor 188, across contact 194, across contact 145, across contact 142, across contact 138, through conductor 200, across contacts 162, 165, 168, 171, 174, through conductor 201, to the other side of the line 181, thus illuminating the empty light 187 whenever the push button 123 is pressed, if the third column is empty. A similar action will occur with the other columns. The solenoid associated with that column cannot be energized, and pressing the push button merely illuminates the empty light. In a typical circuit the transformer is adapted to take 120-volt potential across terminals 177 and 178 and step it down so that there will be 24 volts between the end of the secondary 180 and the tap 183, and 30 volts between the end 180 of the secondary and the conductor 185. The conductor 181 which, for purposes of simplicity, we will consider as momentarily the negative side of the line, is connected to a conductor 202.

Referring to Figure 1, it will be seen that the circuit network in this figure terminates in a conductor 205. This is the 5 line and extends over to Figure 1A. Similarly, the conductor 210 is the line, conductor 215 is the line, conductor 220 is the line, and conductor 225 is the line. These conductors extend from Figure 1 to Figure 1A adjacent a price-selection panel indicated generally by the reference numeral 204. The construction of the price-selection panel can be seen by reference to Figures 2 and 3. It comprises a base member 206 made of a solid dielectric material containing a plurality of transverse conductors 205, 210, 215, 220 and 225 which correspond to and are extensions of the 5 line, the 10 line, the 15 line, the 20 line and the 25 line respectively. These conductors are soldered or otherwise electrically secured to transverse rows of conducting pins 208, 212, 214, 216 and 218. There are as many pins in each row as there are columns in the vending machine with which my control circuit is associated. Secured to the front of the panel 206 are a plurality of conducting brackets 222, 224, 226, 228 and 230. The column solenoid 126, as can be seen by reference to Figure 1A, has connected thereto a conductor 232. Similarly, the solenoid 127 for the second column has connected thereto a conductor 234. The solenoid 128 for the third column is connected to a conductor 236. The solenoid 129 for the fourth column is connected to a conductor 238, and the solenoid 130 for the fifth column is connected to a conductor 240. The bracket 222 has its lower end electrically connected to the conductor 232. The bracket 224 has its lower end electrically connected to the conductor 234. Similarly, the bracket 226 is electrically connected at any desired point to conductor 236, the bracket 228 is electrically connected to conductor 238 and the bracket 230 is electrically connected to conductor 240. Each of the brackets carries a sliding member 243 provided with a brush 245 adapted to make contact with respective pins 208, 212, 214, 216 and 218. If it is desired to set column 1 to operate for a 5 purchase, the sliding member 243 associated with bracket 222 is moved upwardly so that its brush will contact the pin 208 and thus connect the conductor 232 to the 5 line. It will be readily appreciated that this brush can be connected simply and expeditiously to the 5 line, the 10 line, the 15 line, the 20 line or the 25 line by the simple expedient of moving the brush upwardly or downwardly until the brush engages the correct pin underneath it. In a similar manner, the sliding member 243 associated with the second column may be set for any desired price of those illustrated. It is to be understood, of course, that the instant construction is given merely for purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation, and that my invention can be applied to any number of columns at any number of prices varying by any amounts desired. The construction is not changed. A greater number of price lines, however, and associated relays will be required. In Figure 2 the brush associated with bracket or stationary contact member 222 is in engagement with the 5 line. The second column is set for 10, the third column is set for 20, the fourth column is set for 15, and the the fifth column is set for 25. If any of the brushes do not engage one of the lines, that particular column will be rendered inoperative and no purchase can be made from it. This is accomplished quite simply by moving the brush for that column off the contact point underneath it.

Referring now to Figure l, a panel indicated generally by the reference numeral 242 may be similar in construc tion to that shown in Figure 2. This is the quarter-change panel. Correlating Figure 1 with the setup shown in Figure 2, the brush for the first column is connected to the 5 line. The brush for the second column is connected with the 10 line. The brush for the third column is connected with the 20 line. The brush for the fourth column is connected with the 15 line and the brush for line and the brush for the fifth column is connected with the 25 line. In this case it is to be noted that the 25 line is dead, that is, it is not connected to any circuit. Obviously no change will be given from a quarter for a 25 purchase. The change-making panel for giving change from a quarter is, as will be described more fully hereinafter, set up to give four nickels in change for a 5 purchase, three nickels in change for a 10 purchase, one nickel in change for a 20 purchase and two nickels in change for a 15 purchase. A. separate change panel indicated generally by the reference numeral 244 is providedfor giving change in event dimes are deposited and change is required. A panel similar in construction to that shown in Figure 2 may be used. In this case column 1 is set for a purchase. Accordingly, the brush for column 1 is set to make contact with the 512 line. Column 2 is set for a purchase and the brush for column 2 will be set in the bottom row of contacts which, it will be noted, is dead since no change will be given for a dime with a 10 purchase. Column 3 is set for 20 and the brush associated with this column is set upon the bottom row of contacts, that is, in a dead position since no change will be given for two dimes. Column 4 is set on the line and is designed to give one nickel in change with the deposit of two dimes. Column 5, which is set for 25, is put in a dead position since no change will be given for two dimes and a nickel, or one dime and three nickels, which is required to make a 25 purchase with the use of dimes. The relay winding 100 with its associated contacts operates for effecting the giving of change with the quarter-change panel, and the relay winding 106 with its associated contacts operates for the giving of change with the use of dimes. A solenoid 246 operates a change maker (not shown) to give one nickel in change. The solenoid 248 operates a change maker (not shown) to give two nickels in change. The solenoid 250 operates a change maker (not'shown) to give three nickels in change, and the solenoid 252 operates a change maker (not shown) to give four nickels in change. Any suitable change maker known to the art may be employed to give change of any desired amount. The specific construction of the change maker forms no part of this invention. It is simply energized and operated whenever the respective solenoids 246, 248, 250 or 252 are energized. The manner of energization will be described hereinafter more fully.

The manner of interconnecting the relays, contacts, price-selection panel and change panels can best and most easily be understood by a description of the mode of operation of my improved control circuit. As indicated above, for purposes of exposition we will assume that current flows from the conductor 183 toward the conductor 202 which is at the same potential as the conductor 181. This is true only during one-half of the alternating currentcycle, it being understood that with alternating current the fiow of current will be in the opposite direction during the negative part of the cycle. It will be assumed, for the purpose of illustration in the operation of my circuit, that it is employed with a five-column machine to sell merchandise with columns set for 5, 10, 15, and respectively, in the manner shown in Figure 2. From this it will be seen that column 1 is set for 5, column 2 is set for 10, column 3 is set for 20, column 4 is set for 15 and column 5 is set for 25. The sliding brushes of the panel 204 are set in this manner. The 25 change panel 242 is similarly adjusted, as is the 10 change panel 244. It will be assumed that an alternating current voltage of 120 volts is impressed across the terminals 177 and 178 and that the circuit is connected with a five-column merchandising machine of any suitable construction known to the art such, for example, as the Sandwich Merchandising Machine shown in Patent No. 2,638,396, issued August 2, 1950, to Christian Gabrielsen.

Let us consider first the purchase of articles from column 1, namely, the 5 column. This can be accomplished by the deposit of a nickel, by the deposit of a dime, or by the deposit of a quarter. In the case of a nickel, no change will be given. In the case of a dime, one nickel in change will be given. In the case of a quarter, four nickels in change will be given. Column 1 is the 5 column and this is controlled by the push button 121. With no coins in the machine, if push button 121 is pressed, contacts 135, 136 and 137 will be closed and contact 138 will be opened. Inasmuch as no potential is applied to any of the circuits, nothing happens.

Let us now consider that we have deposited one nickel in the coin register 10. Positive potential is applied to conductor 133, from which it is applied to conductor 254, conductor 256 and conductor 258. As the nickel drops through the coin register it will momentarily close contact 24, and since contact 47 is open, nothing occurs. It will momentarily close contact 22, and since contact 53 is open, nothing occurs. During its passage through the coin register it will next close contact 20, and since contact 72 is open, nothing occurs. In a similar manner the momentary closing of contact 18 will produce no effect since contact 78 is open. When the nickel, however, closes contact 16 momentarily, current will flow from conductor 254 through the first nickel, through conductor 260, through winding 66 and thus through conductor 262 to the negative side of the line 202, energizing the winding 66. The energization of winding 66 immediately closes contacts 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 and '80. As soon as contact is closed, current will flow from the conductor 253 through the contact 80, through the conductor 264, and thus through the winding 66 to the conductor 262. Contact 80, therefore, is a locking contact which ensures that the relay 36 will remain energized even though there is only momentary contact of the first nickel across contact 16. This is highly important in the instant invention since, if the coin is greasy or otherwise makes imperfect contact over an extended period of time, my control will nevertheless operate if but momentary contact be made across contact 16 by the coin sometime during its passage through the coin register. It is by this system that I am enabled to eliminate one of the disadvantages of electrical control circuits operated by coins of the prior art. A potential will also be impressed from the conductor 264 through contact 79 upon the 5 line 205 which leads to the price-selection panel 204 and since column 1 is connected to this line, potential will be impressed across the column solenoid Winding 126, across closed contact 191, through conductor 266 to the open push button contact .137. The closing of contact 78 prepares the second nickel circuit from contact 18 through conductor 268. The closing of contact 77 completes part of the circuit from the change contact 41 of the quarter relay 28 through conductor 270 to the four-nickel change contact 94 of the relay 90. The closing of contact 76 closes part of the circuit for energizing the 25 line by the deposit of two dimes and one nickel. The closing of contact completes part of the circuit for energizing the 15 line by the deposit of one dime and one nickel. It will be seen that none of the change circuits are energized by deposit of a single nickel and only the 5 line is energized. When the push button 121 for the first column is operated, therefore, the closing of contact 137 will permit current to flow from conductor 266, through conductor 200, through contact 162, through contact 165, through contract 168, through contact 171, through contact 174, all of which are normally closed, through conductor 201 to the other side of theline 181, thus energizing solenoid 126. As soon as this occurs, contact 162 is opened and contact is closed and at the same time contact 161 is closed. The closing of contact 161 serves to maintain the solenoid winding 126 energized even though the push button is released. In other words, contact 161 is the electrical locking contact for the solenoid 126. The opening of contact 162 immediately renders the push button circuit inoperative so that none of the other push buttons will have any efiect. The closing of contact 160 will permit current to flow from conductor 184 through the motor 105, through conductor 272, through closed contact 160, through contacts 165, 168, 171, 174 and thus through conductor 201 to the other side of the line. At the same time the money dump solenoid 112 will be energized, accepting the nickel. As soon as the motor begins its operation the cam 104 will act to close the contact 107 so that current will continue to flow through the motor 105, through the conductor 274, to the negative side of the line 181 through the now closed contact 107. The cam 104 will also operate, timed after the last change contact, to open the normally closed contact 109. When this occurs, line 183 will be tie-energized, thus tie-energizing the winding 66 and opening all of the contacts of the relay 36. This will de-energize the winding 126 and restore all the relays to their de-energized position. The motor will continue to run, however, until it completes its cycle, at which time the contact 107 is mechanically opened by the cam 104 to de-energize the motor. It will be seen that while the motor is running, the coin register becomes de-energized and all the changemaking circuits are likewise de-energized so that the pressing of the push buttons can have no effect.

Let us now consider that a user desires to make a purchase from a dime. The dime passing through the coin register first momentarily closes contact 14, and since contact 81 is open, nothing occurs. When the dime momentarily closes contact 12, current flows from conductor 254 through the dime, through conductor 276, through the winding 67 of relay 37, through conductor 278, through conductor 262 to the other side of the line, energizing the winding '67. This immediately closes the contacts 81, 82, 83, 84, '85, 86 and 87. When contact 87 is closed, current fiows from the conductor 258 through conductor 280, through contact 87, through conductor 282, through the relay 67, maintaining it energized electrically even though contact by the dime across contact 12 is interrupted. It will be noted in each case that I provide a locking contact to lock the relay electrically by the momentary passage or positioning of a coin. The closing of contact 86 will, through conductor 284, prepare contact '70 so that a 20 purchase can be completed by means of a dime and two nickels. The closing of contact 85 will, through conductor 285 and conductor 286, prepare contact 50 to complete a 25 purchase from a dime and three nickels. The conductor 287, which is connected to conductor 285, prepares contact 44 to enable a purchase to be completed for 25 from two dimes and one nickel.

The closing of contact 84 energizes conductor 210, which is the line. The closing of contact 83 energizes the 5 line, so that a 5 purchase may be made from a dime. The closing of contact 82 energizes one side of contact 75 so that a purchase may be made with one nickel and a dime, and the closing of contact 81 prepares the relay for the second dime. As soon as relay contact 87 is closed, furthermore, conductor 288 will become energized, thus energizing the 5 change line from a nickel purchase on the dime change panel 244.

If now push button 121 is pressed, the solenoid 126 is energized as before since the 5 line is energized by the closing of contact 83. At the same time the closing of contact 135 will have no eifect since the quarter change panel 242 is de-energized. The closing of contact 136, however, will permit current to flow from the conductor 288 through the conductor 289, through the normally closed contact 111, through the winding 106 of the relay 96 and thus through the change-return conductor 2% to the other side of the line 202. The closing of contact 98 acts as a holding contact maintaining the relay winding 106 energized even though the push button is released. The closing of contact 97 permits current to flow from the hot side of line 183 through conductor 256, through contact 97, through conductor 291, to contact point 99, which is open at this time. As soon as the cam 104, however, operated by the delivery motor 105 operates, it will close contact 99. When this occurs the winding 246 will be energized by current flowing through it, through conductor 292, through conductor 293, through the change-protection relay winding 110, through the now normally closed contact 107, to the other side of the line 181. The energization of winding 246, it will be recalled, will operate the change maker to give one nickel in change. The energization of the change-protection relay will open normally closed contacts 111 and 111', effectively tie-energizing the change panels 242 and 244. As soon as the motor cam opens contact 109, the winding 106 of the relay 96 will become tie-energized, and it is not possible for further change to be given during the cycle of operation of the motor. The timing is such that contact 109 is not opened until after the last change contact is made and during this period of the change dispensing the change-protection relay 110 will frustrate any attempts to obtain double change by operating some of the other buttons. This is not feasible in the case of a dime, but might be attempted with a quarter. The change-protection relay, however, obviates such attempts until the register and change panels become de-energized, at which time the change-protection relay likewise becomes tie-energized. In other words, the constructionis such that as long as the change panels are energized the change-protection relay is energized and only the de-energization of the change panels will de-energize the change-protection relay.

Let us now consider a purchase of a 5 item by the deposit of a quarter. The deposit of a quarter will momentarily complete the circuit across contact 26 of the coin register. When this occurs, current will flow from the hot line 254 through conductor 295 and through winding 38 of the relay 28, closing all of the relay contacts associated therewith. As soon as contact 43 is closed, current will flow through conductor 258, through contact 43, through conductor 2% and thus through relay winding 38, through the conductor 262 to the other side of the line. Here, again, the relay winding 38 remains energized even though only a momentary contact be made across contact 26 by the quarter in the coin register. The closing of contact 42 will energize the conductor 297 and the closing of contact 41 will energize the conductor 270. Conductor 297 is connected to conductor 225, which is the 25 line. The closing of contact 43, furthermore, will also energize conductor 300, which, through normally closed contact 51, energizes the conductor 301, which is connected to the winding 100 of the 25 relay 90, thus energizing this relay and closing contacts 91, 92, 93, 94 and 95, preparing this relay to give change. The closing of contact 41 energizes conductor 270, whichenergizes the 25 panel 242 through conductor 302, normally closed contact 111 and conductor 303. When the 5 column button 121 is pressed, contact is closed. When this occurs, current will flow through conductor 304, which is connected to conductor 260, thus energizing the Winding 66 of the 5 relay 36, energizing the 5 line as if a nickel had been deposited. When the contact 77 of the relay 36 is closed it will energize the circuit across contact 94 through the four-nickel change winding 252. When the delivery motor 105 begins to rotate, the contact 103 will operate the change maker to give four nickels in change. The sequence of operations in this case will be the same as that described above.

Let us now consider the purchase of a 10 item for a dime, for two nickels, and for a quarter. When a dime is deposited the relays and circuits will operateas described above for the deposit of a dime. The 25 change panel 242 is not energized nor is the dime change panel 244 energized, since the brush for column 2, that is, the one associated with push button 122, is on a dead end and not connected to anything. The closing of contact 84 of relay 37 energizes the 10 line. When the dime push button 122 is pressed, the contacts 139, and 141 are closed, and contact 142 is opened. Since both panels 242 and 244 are de-energized the closing of contacts 139 and 140 has no efiect. The closing of contact 141, however, permits current to flow from the 10 line through the price-selection panel 204, through conductor 234, through winding 127, through conductor 306, through the now closed contact 141, through the closed contact 138, through conductor 200, through push button relay operated contacts 162, 165, 168, 171 and 174 in series and thus through conductor 201 to the other side of the line, energizing the winding 127. The energization of winding 127 opens contact 165 and closes contacts 163 and 164. Contact 163 is the holding contact since current can now flow through contact 163 to the other side of the line 181 directly without going through the push button contact 141, which is manually operated. In this manner the releasing of the push button will not de-energize the winding 127. The sequence of events in connection with the energization of winding 127 is the same as that described with respect to the energization of winding 126. In each case the energization of a column solenoid operates a relay which closes to lock the particular column solenoid electrically and opens the push button circuit so that the pressing of any of the push buttons will have no further effect. The money-accepting solenoid 112 is operated and the delivery motor is started. In order to avoid duplication in describing the detailed sequence of events for all the other solenoids I will describe how each of the column solenoids and change solenoids is energized. Those skilled in the art will recognize that each of the column solenoids when energized acts in the same manner with respect to that particular column since all of the circuits are analogous. It will be seen, therefore, upon the deposit of a dime, the column solenoid is energized and no change is given.

Let us now consider a purchase of the value of 10 performed with two nickels. When the first nickel is deposited the relay winding 66 is energized with the effect described above. It will be observed that when the relay winding 66 is energized the contact 78 is closed. When a second nickel is deposited in the coin register 10, contact 18 is closed, so that the conductor 268 becomes energized, and since contact '78 is closed, the conductor 308 becomes energized. This permits current to flow thorugh the winding 64 of the second nickel relay 34. The closing of contact 74 permits the relay winding 64 to become energized from the conductor 258, thus maintaining the winding 64 energized. The closing of contact 73 energizes the conductor 312, which is connected to the 10 line 210. Since the contact 41 is open, the quarter change panel is not energized, nor is the 10 change panel energized, since no dime relays have been actuated. Accordingly, when the push button 122 is pressed, only the second column solenoid will be energized through the 10 line and none of the change-making circuits will be affected.

Let us now consider that a quarter is deposited. This energizes the winding 38 of the relay 28 and closes the contact 41, energizing the change panel. When the push button 122 is pressed, the closing of contact 139 will energize the conductor 316, which will energize winding 64 of the second nickel relay 34, operating this relay. The effect is to close contact 74, which is the holding contact, contact 73, which energizes the 10 line, and contact 72, which prepares the third nickel relay 62. At the same time, however, contact 71 is closed, and this permits current to flow through conductor 270, through conductor 318, through contact 71, through conductor 320, to energize contact 93. It will also be remembered that the closing of contact 43 energizes conductors 296 and 300, which, through normally closed contact 51, energizes the quarter change relay 100 so that contact 93 is closed. When it is energized, therefore, the three-nickel change solenoid 250 will be energized when the cam operated contact .102 is closed incident to the operation of the delivery motor 105. In this manner three nickels in change are given from a quarter.

We will now consider a 15 purchase which, in the setup shown in the drawings, will be controlled by push button 124 for the fourth column. A 15 purchase may be made by three nickels, by a dime and one nickel, by two dimes, or by a quarter. In the case of two dimes, one nickel in change will be given. In the case of a quarter, two nickels in change will be given. Let us consider a purchase of a 15 item by the deposit of three nickels. The first nickel will act as described above to energize relay winding 66, the second nickel will energize winding 64 and contact 72 will be closed in this process. When the third nickel is deposited contact 20 of the coin register 10 will be closed and conductor 330 will become energized so that current will flow through the closed contact 72, through conductor 332, through conductor 334, through winding 62 of the third nickel relay 32 operating this relay. The energization of winding 62 will close contact 55 so that current will flow through conductor 258, through conductor 336, through conductor 334, maintaining the winding 62 electrically energized even though only momentary contact is made by the third nickel. The closing of contact 54 will energize conductor 338 which is connected to conductor 215 which is the 15 line. The closing of contact 53 completes the circuit enabling the fourth nickel to energize solenoid winding 40 through conductor 340. The closing of contact 52 places the conductor 342 in communication with the conductor 270 so that change can be given for a 15 purchase from a quarter, as will be pointed out more fully hereinafter. Contact 51 which is normally closed will open, however, so that the quarter change circuits are de-energized if only nickels are used. This is a safety measure. The closing of contact 50 permits a 25 purchase to be made with three nickels and one dime, as will be pointed out more fully hereinafter. The opening of contact 51 and the fact that contact 41 is open ensures that the 25 panel 242 is rendered inoperative. Since contact 87 is now open, the line 288 of the 10 panel 244 is not energized and since the solenoid 40 of the fourth nickel solenoid is not energized, the conductor 344 which energizes the 15 column of the dime change panel 244 is not energized. Accordingly, when push button 124 controlling the column set for 15 is operated, the closing of contacts 147 and 148 will have no effect. The push button 124, however, will open contact 150 and close contact 149, permitting current to flow through conductor 238, energizing the fourth column solenoid in a manner and with the effect described above with respect to the energization of the other column solenoids.

Let us now consider the making of a 15 purchase by a nickel and a dime. The deposit of the nickel energizes relay winding 66 and the deposit of the dime energizes relay winding 67. The dime relay contact 82 when closed will permit current to flow through conductor 346, through the closed contact 75 and thus energize the 15 line through conductor 338. When relay winding 67 is energized, however, conductor 288 will become energized and thus energize the 5 line of the dime change panel 244. The brush, however, associated with the fourth column is on the 15 line so that the energization of conductor 288 will not permit current to flow through conductor 289 when the fourth column button 124 is pressed. The 25 panel 242 remains de-energized so that the only effect of pressing the button 124 when a nickel and a dime are deposited is, by reason of the fact that the 15 line is energized, to energize fourth column solenoid 129 and complete a 15 purchase.

Let us now consider a 15 purchase from the deposit of two dimes. The first dime energizes winding 67. Among the contacts closed of relay 37 is contact 81, which through conductor 350, connects one end of winding 40 of the fourth nickel relay 30 to the conductor 352 which is connected to the second dime contact 14 of the coin register. When the second dime is deposited the relay 40 will thus be energized. When this occurs current will fiow from conductor 258 through the contact 49 now closed, through the conductor 354, through the winding 49, maintaining it energized even though the second dime makes only momentary contact. Contact 47 will also be closed and this is the preparatory contact to permit a purchase to be made from two dimes and a nickel, as will be pointed out more fully hereinafter. The closing of contact 48 will energize conductor 356 which is connected to conductor 220 which is the 20 line. The closing of contact 46 will permit a nickel in change to be given upon the deposit of a quarter for a 20 purchase, as will be pointed out more fully hereinafter. The closing of contact 45 energizes the 15 line and permits a purchase of 15 to be made from two dimes, which is the case we are now considering. The closing of contact 44 enables a 25 purchase to be made from the deposit of two dimes and one nickel, aswill be pointed out more fully hereinafter. It will be observed, too, that as soon as the winding 40 becomes energized the conductor 344 will become energized and this is the conductor with which the brush for the fourth column of the dime change panel 244 is in contact. When button 124 for the fourth column is pressed, with the circuits energized as described above by the deposit of two dimes, the closing of contact 147 will have no effect since the quarter change panel 242 is de-energized. The closing of contact 148, however, will permit current to flow from the conductor 344, through the contact 148, through conductor 289, through normally closed contact 111', through the dime change relay Winding 106, through conductor 290, to the other side of the line. The closing of contact 98 electrically locks the relay 96, and the closing of contact 97 prepares the change circuit through solenoid 246 which is the nickel change control solenoid. When the cam 104 closes contact 99, one nickel in change will be given. The pressing of the fourth column button 124, furthermore, will permit the solenoid 129 to become energized due to the fact that the 15 line is energized, it being observed that the solenoid 129 is energized through conductor 238, the brush of which is in contact with the 15 line.

Let us now consider a 15 purchase by the deposit of a quarter which energizes the winding 38 of the relay 28. We have seen above that the quarter change panel 242 becomes energized through the conductor 303 by way of contact 41, conductor 270, conductor 302 and normally closed contact 111. When the button 124 is pressed, current will flow through contact 147, through conductor 360, through winding 62 of the 15 relay 32. The closing of contact 54 of this relay will energize conductor 215 which is the 15 line. The closing of contact 52 will permit current to flow from conductor 270 through contact 52, through conductor 342 to contact 92 which is now closed. It will be remembered that this contact becomes closed whenever a deposit of a quarter is made, due to the fact that current flows through conductor 300 through the normally closed contact 51, through conductor 301, through winding 100 of relay 90, thus closing all of the contacts of this quarter change relay. Accordingly, the circuit through solenoid 248, which controls the giving of two nickels in change, will be completed by the closing of contact 101. This occurs when the cam 104 operates. All of the other solenoids remain de-energized. Only solenoid 248 becomes energized due to the fact that the potential is applied only through contact 92 in this case. The dime panel, of course, remains de-energized when a quarter is deposited. The closing of contact 149 through the push button 124 will permit solenoid 121 to become energized due to the fact that the 15 line is energized. It will be seen, therefore, that by the deposit of a quarter I have obtained a 15 column purchase and received two nickels in change.

Let us now consider a 20 purchase. This may be made from four nickels, one dime and two nickels, two

dimes, or by a quarter. Only in the case of a quarter will any change be given. It will be remembered that whenever the 15 relay is energized, as by the deposit of three nickels, contact 53 is closed. When, therefore, a fourth nickel is deposited the closing of contact 22 of the coin register 10 will permit current to flow through conductor 370, through contact 53, through winding 40 of the 20 relay 30. The closing of contact 49 electrically holds winding 40 energized. The closing of contact 48 energizes conductor 356 which is connected to conductor 220 which is the 20 line. The opening of contact 51 upon the deposit of the third nickel ensures the de-energization of the quarter change relay 90. Accordingly, the closing of contact 46 can have no effect for this reason and also because the quarter relay is not energized. This is important only in the case of a quarter purchase, as will be pointed out more fully hereinafter. The brush for the third column is set for 20. It will be observed that the third column on the dime change panel 244 is set at a dead end so that no change can be given from the dime change panel for a 20 purchase. This is of importance when dimes are used, as will be pointed out more fully hereinafter. Accordingly, no change can be given with the deposit of four nickels and when the button 123 is pressed only the closing of contact 145 will be effective. This contact when closed will energize the solenoid 128 from the 20 line and permit a purchase to be made from the 20 column. The concomitant closing of contacts 143 and 144 in this case will have no electrical effect.

Let us now consider a 20 purchase by the deposit of a dime and two nickels. It makes no difierence in what order the coins are deposited. Whenever the dime is deposited the winding 67 of the dime solenoid 37 will be energized. The first nickel will energize winding 66 and the second nickel will energize the winding 64. The closing of contact 86 will energize conductor 284. When contact 70 of the second nickel relay is closed conductor 372 will become energized and this is connected to conductor 356 which is the 20 line. It will be seen, therefore, that I have energized the 20 line by the deposit of a dime and two nickels in any order. None of the change circuits are involved so that when the third column button 123 is pressed, the solenoid 128 will become energized and complete the cycle for the purchase from the 20 column.

When two dimes are deposited, the first dime will energize the winding 67 closing contact 81. The deposit of the second dime will momentarily close contact 14 of the coin register 10, momentarily energizing conductor 352 which will energize conductor 350 through contact 81. This will permit current to flow momentarily through winding 40 of the 20 relay 30. The closing of contact 48 will energize conductor 356 which leads to the 20 line. The energization of winding 40 will energize the conductor 344, but inasmuch as the third column brush of the 10 change panel is not in contact with this conductor, when the button 123 closes contact 144 no change will be given. Inasmuch as the 25 relay is not energized, contact 41 is open and the 25 change panel 242 is de-energized. Accordingly, the only effect obtained when button 123 is pressed after the deposit of two dimes is to energize solenoid 128 through the closing of push button contact 145 to complete a 20 purchase.

When a quarter is deposited the winding 38 of the quarter relay is energized so that the closing of contact 41 will energize the 25 change panel. When push button 123 is pressed current will flow through contact 143, through conductor 380, through winding 40 of the 20 relay 30, operating this relay. As soon as a quarter is deposited, furthermore, current also flows through the normally closed contact 51, through winding of the quarter change relay, operating this relay. As soon as contact 46 of relay 30 closes it will energize conductor 15 382 which will prepare to energize the nickel change relay 246 through now closed contact 91, so that when contact 99 is closed by the cam 104 a nickel in change will be given upon the purchase of a 20 item by means of a quarter.

Let us now consider a 25 purchase. This can be completed by the deposit of five nickels, three nickles and one dime, two dimes and one nickel, or by a quarter.

Considering now the case of a purchase from five nickels, the operation of successive energization of the nickel relays has already been described. When the third nickel is deposited, however, it will be noted that contact 51 is opened. This prevents the energization of the quarter change relay winding 100. Upon the deposit of the fourth nickel, contact 47 is closed. When the fifth nickel is deposited it will close contact 24 of the coin register. Current will then flow through conductor 390, through contact 47, through conductor 392 to energize winding 38 of the quarter relay 28. The closing of contact 41 will energize the 25 change panel. The closing of contact 43 electrically holds winding 38 energized and the closing of contact 42 energizes the 25 line by way of conductor 297. It will be noted that the brush for the fifth column is set on a dead point on the quarter change panel 242, as is the brush on the dime change panel 244, for this fifth column. Accordingly, when push button 125 is operated and closes contacts 151, 152 and 153, only the closing of contact 1 53 will have any electrical effect. The closing of contact 153 energizes winding 130 for the solenoid for the fifth column. No change will be given.

When the third nickel is deposited contact 50 is closed. When the first dime is deposited contact 85 is closed so that current will flow through contact 85, through conductor 285, through conductor 286, through contact 50 of the third nickel relay, through conductor 400, which is connected to conductor 297 which in turn is connected to conductor 225, which is the 25 line. The energization of the 25 line will permit energization of the fifth column solenoid 130 upon the operation of fifth column button 125.

Upon the deposit of two dimes the 20 solenoid winding 40 becomes energized, as described above. Upon the deposit of the first nickel to make 25, contact 76 will be closed. The closing of contact 44 of the 20 relay will permit current to flow through contact 85, through conductor 285, through conductor 287, through now closed contact 44, through conductor 402, through now closed contact 76, through conductor 297, to the 25 line 225,

thus energizing this line and permitting operation of the 25 column upon the deposit of two dimes and one nickel. Upon the deposit of a quarter the quarter change panel is energized and the quarter change relay becomes energized as before. The brush controlled by push button 125 on the quarter change panel, however, is set out of contact with any of the change lines of the quarter change panel so that when contact 151 is closed none of the change solenoids is energized due to the fact that none of the other relays adapted to energize the change contacts 91, 92, 93 or 94, or any of them, is operated. Accordingly, only the 25 line is energized and this effects the energization of solenoid 130 when push button 125 closes contact 153.

When the coin return button 132 is pressed, contact 133 is opened, thus de-energizing the coin register and contact 134 is closed, energizing coin return solenoid 131.

if any of the columns becomes depleted of merchandise, it will be remembered that the empty switch is operated. All of the columns work in the same manner, so I will describe the functioning of the empty switch with respect to the 25 column. The empty switch for the 25 column will open contact 199 and close contact 198. When push button 125 for the 25 column is pressed, the circuit through solenoid 130 by Way of contact 153 is opened by contact 199 so that this solenoid will not become energized. Instead, current will flow when contact 153-is closed through the now closed contact 198, through the line 188, through the incandescent lamp 187, to the other side of the line with respect to line 183, thus illuminating the empty signal and advising a user that the column controlled by the push button he is operating is empty. The delivery motor and the change-accepting solenoids will, of course, not operate. A user can then press the coin return button and have his money refunded.

It will be seen that I have accomplished the objects of my invention. I have provided a control circuit for electrical merchandising machines which is simple in construction, sure in operation and inexpensive to manufacture. The electrical coin register employs only six solenoids together with two change panels. Each of the change panels has only one solenoid, together with four solenoids for the one nickel, two nickel, three nickel or four nickel change amounts. Each column has only one solenoid which is adapted to connect the delivery mechanism for that column with a common delivery motor. There is one coin return solenoid and one safety solenoid for protecting the change relay system. A single cam is adapted to close the change-giving contacts and to disable the coin register. This cam, furthermore, automatically shuts off the delivery motor after it has completed the vending cycle. My control circuit is very flexible and can be quickly and easily set to vend merchandise at a plurality of different prices from a plurality of difierent columns from the same machine and automatically give the correct change for the difference in value of the merchandise and the coins deposited. My control circuit is automatically de-energized whenever the vending cycle starts, and thus ensures against obtaining two articles for the price of one. My electrical control circuit is such that the possibility of obtaining change when it is not called for is obviated. I have provided a simple means for preventing the operation of the vending cycle when a column is empty and automatically signalling a user of this fact. The coins are not accepted until after the vending cycle is initiated so that if a column is empty a user may obtain return of the coins by means of a coin return button. Once the vending cycle is started, the coin register is automatically disconnected and is not again energized until after the vending cycle for the previous purchase is completed. The use of low voltages minimizes arcing at the contacts of the relays so these may be employed for long periods of time without trouble. Furthermore, the low voltages on the control circuit minimize the danger of short circuits since the load imposed upon the insulation is very light. Then too, the danger of shocks to operators is greatly reduced during loading or working about the vending machines equipped with my control circuit. Due to the fact that my control circuit will operate upon momentary contact of the coin in the coin register, the danger of failure due to greasy coins or dirty or poor contacts in the coin register is greatly minimized.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcornbinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of my claim. It is further obvious that various changes may be made in details Within the scope of my claims without departing from the spirit of my invention. It is therefore to be understood that my invention is not to be limited to the specific details shown and described.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

l. A control circuit for electrical merchandising machines, including in combination a coin register having a pair of coin contacts adapted to be bridged by a coin deposited in the register, a coin relay having a winding and a plurality of normally open contacts adapted to be closed thereby, a first circuit including said pair of coin contacts for energizing the winding upon the deposit of a coin, a normally closed cam-operated switch, a second circuit including one of the normally open coin relay contacts and including the cam-operated switch for maintaining the coin relay winding energized, a third circuit including another of the coin relay contacts, a movable brush, a column relay having a winding and a normally open manually operable push button switch in series, a prime mover, a fourth circuit including a normally open contact adapted to be closed upon the energization of the column relay incident to the operation of the push button for energizing the prime mover, a fifth circuit including a normally open cam-operated switch for energizing the prime mover, a cam driven by the prime mover for closing said cam-operated switch upon the operation of the prime mover to maintain the prime mover energized during one cycle of its operation, the construction of the cam being such as to open the switch after it has completel its cyclic movement thereby to de-energize the prime mover, said cam being positioned to open said. normally closed second circuit team-operatedswitch upon the operation of the prime mover to de-energize the winding of said coin relay by opening said second circuit, coin accept actuating means adapted to be energized upon the energization of the prime mover, a second pair of coin contacts in the coin register fora coin of larger dcnomination than the first coin, a second coin relay having a winding and a plurality of normally open contacts adapted to be closed thereby, a sixthcircuit including said second pair of contacts for energizing the winding of the second coin relay upon deposit of a coin of larger denomination than the first coin, a seventh circuit including one of the second coin relay contacts for maintaining the second coin relay winding energized, a change relay having a winding and ;a contact, an eigth circuit including the second coin relay contact and a normally open push button switch and a normally closed change protection switch and the change relay winding in series, a change maker actuating means, a ninth circuit for energizing the change maker actuating means including the change relay contact and-a normally open cam-operated contact switch in series, said cam being positioned to close the cam-operated change switch upon the operation of the prime mover, and means responsive to the energization of the change maker actuating means for opening the normally closed change protection switch,

'2 A control circuit for electrical merchandising machines, including in combination a coin register having a pair of coin contacts adapted to he bridged by a coin deposited in the register a coin relay having a winding and a plurality of normallyopen contacts adapted to be closed thereby, a first circuit including said pair of coin contacts for energizing the winding upon the deposit of a coin, a normally closed cam-operated switch, a second circuit including one of the normally open coin relay contacts and including the cam-operated switch for mainraining the coin relay winding energized, a third circuit including another of the coin relay contacts, a movable brush, a column relay having a winding and a normally open manually operable push button switch in series, a prime mover, a fourth circuit including a normally open contact adapted to be closed upon the energization of the column relay incident to the operation of the push button for energizing the prime mover, a fifth circuit including a normally open carn 'operated switch for energi'zing the prime mover, a driven by the prime mover for closing said cam-operated switch upon the operation of the prime mover to maintain the prime mover energi'z'ed during one cycle of its operation, the construction of the cain being such as to open the switch after it has completed its cyclic movement thereby to d'e-energ'ize the prime mover, said cam being positioned to open said normally closed second circuit cam-operated switch upon the operation of the prime mover to de energize the winding of said coin relay by opening said second circuit, coin accept actuating means adapted to be energized upon the energization of the prime mover, a second pair of coin contacts in the coin register for a coin of larger demonination than the first coin, a second coin relay having a winding and a plurality of normally open contacts adapted to be closed thereb y, a sixth circuit,- including said second pair of contacts for energizing the winding of the second coin relay upon deposit of a coin of larger denomination than the first coin, a seventlrcircuit including one of the second coin relay contacts for maintaining the second coin relay winding energized, a change relay having a winding and a contact, an eighth circuit including the second coin relay contact and a normally open push button switch and a normally closed change protection switch and the change relay winding in series, a change maker actuating means, and a ninth circuit for energizing the change maker actuating means including the change relay contact and anormal'ly open cam-operated contact switch in series, said cam being positioned to close the cam-operated change switch upon the operation of the prifne mover.

3. A control circuit for electrical merchandising machines, including in combination a coin register having a pair of coin contacts adapted to be bridged by a coin deposited in the register, a coin relay having a winding and a plurality of normally open contacts adapted to be closed thereby,- a first circuit including said pair of coin contacts for energizing the winding upon the deposit of a coin, anormally closed cam-operated switch, a second circuit including one of the normally open coin relay contacts and including the cam-operated switch for maintaining the coin relay winding energized, a third circuit including another of the coin relay contacts, a moveable brush, a column relay having a winding and a normally open manually operable push button switch in series, a prime mover, a fourth circuit including a normally open contact adapted to be closed upon the energization of the column relay incident to the operation of the push button for energizing the prime mover, a fifth circuit including a normally open cam-operated switch for energizing the prime mover,- a cam driven by the prime mover for closing said cam=operated switch upon the operation of the prime mover tomaintain the prime mover energized during one cycle of its operation,- the construction of the cam being such as to open the switch after it has completed its cyclic movement thereby to de-energize the prime mover, said cam being positioned to open said normally closed second circuit cam-operated switch upon the operation of the prime mover to de-energizc the winding of said coin relay by opening said second circuit, coin accept actuating means adapted to be energized upon the energization of the prime mover, a second pair of coin contacts in the coin register for a coin of larger denomination than the first coin, a second coin relay having a Winding and a plurality of normally open contacts adapted to be closed thereby, a sixth circuit including said second pair of contacts for energizing the winding of the second coin relay upon deposit of a coin of larger denomination than the first coin, a seventh circuit including one of the second coin relay contacts formaintaining the second coin relay winding energized, a change relay having a winding and a contact, an eighth circuit including the second coin relay contact and a normally open push button switch and the change relay winding in series, a change maker actuating means, and a ninth circuit for energizing the change maker actuating means including the change relay contact and a normally open cam-operated contact switch in series, said cam being positioned to close the camoperated change switch upon the operation of the prime mover.

4. A control circuit for electrical merchandising machines, including in combination a coin register having a pair of coin contacts adapted to be bridged by a coin deposited in the register, a coin relay having a winding and a plurality of normally open contacts adapted to be "closed thereby, a first circuit including said pair of coin.

19 contacts for energizing the winding upon the deposit of a coin, a normally closed cam-operated switch, a second circuit including one of the normally open coin relay contacts and including the cam-operated switch for maintaining the coin relay winding energized, a third circuit including another of the coin relay contacts, a movable brush, a column relay having a winding and a normally :open manually operable push button switch in series,

a prime mover, a fourth circuit including a normally open contact adapted to be closed upon the energization of the column relay incident to the operation of the push button for energizing the prime mover, -a fifth circuit including a normally open cam-operated switch for enerigizing the prime mover, a cam driven by the prime :mover for closing said cam-operated switch upon the operation of the prime mover to maintain the prime :mover energized during one cycle of its operation, the construction of the cam being such as to open the-switch after it has completed its cyclic movement thereby to deenergize the prime mover, said cam being positioned 'to open said normally closed second circuit cam-operated switch upon the operation of the prime mover to de-energize the winding of said coin relay by opening said second circuit, coin accept actuating means adapted to be en- :ergized upon the energization of the prime mover, a

second pair of coin contacts in the coin register for a --coin of larger denomination than the first coin, a second coin relay having a winding and a plurality of normally 'open contacts adapted to be closed thereby,a sixth circuit including said second pair of contacts for energizing the winding of the second coin relay upon deposit of a coin of larger denomination than the first coin, a seventh circuit including one of the second coin relay contacts for maintaining the second coin relay winding energized, an eighth circuit including another of the second coin relay contacts and a normally open push button switch and the first coin relay winding in series, a

change relay having a winding and a normally open contact, a ninth circuit for energizing the change relay winding upon the energization of the second coin relay winding, a change maker actuating means for giving change representing the diiference between the coin of larger denomination and the first coin, a tenth circuit "for energizing the change maker actuating means including the change relay contact and a normally open 'cam-0perated change switch in series, the cam being positioned to close the cam-operated change switch upon operation of the prime mover.

5. A control circuit for electrical merchandising machines, including in combination a coin register having a pair of coin contacts adapted to be bridged by a coin deposited in the register, a coin relay having a winding and a plurality of normally open contacts adapted to be closed thereby, a first circuit including said pair of coin contacts for energizing the winding upon the deposit of 'a prime mover, a fourth circuit including a normally open contact adapted to be closed upon the energization of the column relay incident to the operation of the push button for energizing the prime mover, a fifth, circuit including a normally open cam-operated switch for energizing the prime mover, a cam driven by the prime moverv for closing said cam-operated switch upon the operation of the prime mover to maintain the prime mover energized during one cycle of its operation, the construction of the cam being suchas to open the switch after it has completed its cyclic movement thereby to deergizing the prime mover, a cam driven by the prime open said normally closed second circuit cam-operateddfi switch upon the-"operation of the prirne mover to deenergize the winding of said coin relay by opening said second circuit, coin accept actuating means adapted to be e'nergiz'ed upon the energization of the prime mover, the brush of the third circuit forming part of a price adjustment panel, said panel comprising a plurality of manually movable brushes including said third circuit brush, a plurality of column relays including said third circuit column relay each connected to one of the brushes, a plurality of push buttons including said third circuit push button for respective column relays, each push button and each column relay being connected in circuits similar to and parallel with the push button and relay of the third circuit, a stationary contact connected to the coin relay contact of the third circuit adapted to be connected by the'third circuit brush to place the coin relay contact-of the third circuit in series with the push button and relay circuit associated with the third circuit brush. 6. A control circuit for electrical merchandising machines, including in combination a coin register having a pair of coin contacts adapted to be bridged by a coin deposited in the register, a coin relay having a winding and a plurality of normally open contacts adapted to be closed thereby, a first circuit including said pair of coin contacts for energizing the winding upon the deposit of a coin, a normally closed cam-operated switch, a second circuit including one of the normally open coin relay contacts and including the cam-operated switch for maintaining the coin relay winding energized, a third circuit including another of the coin relay contacts, a movable brush, a column relay having a winding and a normally open manually operable push button switch in series, a prime mover, a fourth circuit including a normally open contact adapted to be closed upon the energization of the column relay incident to the operation of the push button for energizing the prime mover, a fifth circuit including a normally open cam-operated switch for energizing the prime mover, a cam driven by the prime mover for closing said cam-operated switch upon the operation of the prime mover to maintain the prime mover energized during one cycle of its operation, the construction of the cam being such as to open the switch after it has completed its cyclic movement thereby to de-energize the prime mover, said cam being positioned to open said normally closed second circuit cam-operated switch upon the operation of the prime mover to tie-energize the winding of said coin relay by opening said second circuit, coin accept actuating means adopted to be energized upon the energization of the prime mover, said third circuit including a normally closed empty column switch adapted to be opened when the column is empty of merchandise, a column empty signal, a normally open column empty switch, a sixth circuit in parallel with the winding of said column relay including the normally open switch and the signal in series, the construction being such that when a column is empty the normally closed third circuit switch will be opened and the normally open sixth circuit switch will be closed whereby upon the closing of the push button switch of the third circuit the column empty signal will be energized.

7. A control circuit for electrical merchandising machines, including in combination a coin register having a pair of coincontacts adapted to be bridged by a coin deposited in the register, a coin relay having a winding and a plurality of normally open contacts adapted to be closed thereby, a first circuit including said pair of coin contacts for energizing the winding upon the deposit of a coin, a normally closed cam-operated switch, a second circuit including one of the normally open coin relay contacts and including the cam-operated switch for maintaining the coin relay winding energized, a third circuit including another of the coin relay contacts, a movable brush, a column relay having a winding and a normally open manually operable push buttonswitch in series, a prime never, a fourth circuit including asrman nne contact adapted to be closed upon the energization of the column relay incident to the operation of the pushbutton for energizing the prime mover, a fifth circuit including a normally open-cam-operated switch for energizing the prime mover, acam driven by the prinie mover tor closing said cam-operated switch upon the operation of the prime mover to maintain the prime mover energized during one cycle of its operation; the construction of the cam being such as to open the switch after it has completed its-cyclic movement thereby to de-energize the prime mover, said cam being positioned to open said normally closed second circuit cam-operated switch upon the operation of the prime mover to de-energize the winding of said coin relay by opening said second circuit, coin accept actuating means adapted to be energized upon the energization of the prime mover, said third circuit including a normally closed empty column switch adapted to be opened when the column is empty of merchandise, the construction being such that the third circuit will be interrupted upon the opening of said switch.

8. A control circuit for electrical merchandising machines, including in combination a coin register having a pair of coin contacts adapted to be bridged by a coin deposited in the register, a coin relay having a winding and a plurality of normally open contacts adapted to be closed thereby, a first circuit including said pair of coin contacts for energizing the winding upon the deposit of a coin, a normally closed cam-operated switch, a second circuit including one of the normally open coin relay contacts and including the cam-operated switch for maintaining the coin relay winding energized, a third circuit including another of the coin relay contacts, a movable brush, a column relay having a winding and a normally open manually operable push button switch in series, a prime mover, a fourth circuit including a normally open contact adapted to be closed upon the energization of the column relay incident to the operation of the push button for energizing the prime mover, a fifth circuit including a normally open cam-operated switch for energizing the prime mover, a cam driven by the prime mover for closing said cam-operated switch upon the operation of the prime mover to maintain the prime mover energized during one cycle of its operation, the construction of the cam being such as to open the switch after it has completed its cyclic movement thereby to deenergize the prime mover, said cam being positioned to open said normally closed second circuit cam-operated switch upon the operation of the prime mover to deenergize the winding of said coin relay by opening said second circuit, coin accept means adapted to be energized upon the energization of the prime mover, a coin return push button, a normally closed switch and a normally open switch adapted to be actuated by the push button, the normally closed switch adapted to tie-energize the first and second circuits when opened, a coin return actuating means connected in series with said normally open switch, said normally open switch adapted to energize said coin return actuating means when closed whereby to permit coins deposited in the coin register to be returned to the user.

9. In a control circuit for an electrical multicolumn merchandising machine a first relay including a plurality of normally open switches and a winding adapted to be energized to close said switches, means responsive to the deposit in the machine of a coin of predetermined value for energizing said first relay winding, a second relay including a plurality of normally open switches and a winding adapted to be energized to close said normally open switches, means responsive to the deposit in the machine of a coin of a different value from said first coin for energizing said second relay winding, means adapted to be energized to operate one column of the machine, a first selecting means, a circuit including one of said first relay switches for energizing said one col umn operating means in response to operation of said first selecting means, means adapted to be energized to operate another column of the machine, a second selecting means, a circuit including one of said second relay switches for energizing said second column operating means in response to operation of said second selecting means, means adapted to be energized to operate a third column of said machine, a third selecting means, and a circuit including another switch of said first relay and another switch 05 said second relay for energizing said third column operating means in response to operation of said third selecting means.

10. In a control circuit for an electrical multicolumn merchandising machine a first relay including a plurality of normally open switches and a winding adapted to be energized to close said switches, means responsive to the deposit in the machine of a coin of predetermined value for energizing said first relay winding, a second relay including a plurality of normally open switches and a winding adapted to be energized to close said normally open switches, means responsive to the deposit in the machine of a coin of a different value from said first coin for energizing said second relay winding, means adapted to be energized to operate one column of the machine, a first selecting means, a circuit including one of said first relay switches for energizing said one column operating means in response to operation of said first selecting means, means adapted to be energized to operate another column of the machine, a second selecting means, a circuit including one of said second relay switches for energizing said second column operating means in response to operation of said second selecting means, means adapted to be energized to operate a third column of said machine, a third selecting means, a circuit including another switch of said first relay and another switch of said second relay for energizing said third column operatin means in response to operation of the third selecting means, a change maker, said circuit for energizing said first column operating means including one of said second relay switches and responsive to said first selecting means for energizing the change maker to give change corresponding in value to the difference in value of the merchandise in said first column and the value of said second coin.

11. In a control circuit for an electrical multicolumn merchandising machine a first relay including a plurality of normally open switches and a winding adapted to be energized to close said switches, means responsive to the deposit in the machine of a coin of predetermined value for energizing said first relay winding, a second relay including a plurality of normally open switches and a winding adapted to be energized to close said normally open switches, means responsive to the deposit in the machine of a coin of a different value from said first coin for energizing said second relay winding, means adapted to be energized to operate one column of the machine, a first selecting means, a circuit including one of said first relay switches for energizing said one column operating means in response to operation of said first selecting means, means adapted to be energized to operate another column of the machine, a second selecting means, a circuit including one of said second relay switches for energizin said second column operating means in response to operation of said second selecting means, means adapted to be energized to operate a third column of said machine, a third selecting means, a circuit including one of said first relay switches and one of said second relay switches for energizing said third column operating means in response to operation of said third selecting means, a prime mover adapted to be energized to dispense an article of merchandise, means responsive to the completion of any one of said circuits for energizil'lg said prime mover, a holding circuit for said first relay winding including one of said first relay switches, a hold-n i'ng circuit for the second relay Winding includin one 1,506,250 of said second relay switches and means responsive to 1,631,326 a predetermined operation of said prime mover for in- 1,961,537 terrupting said holding circuits. 2,076,564 2,455,976 References Cited in the file of this patent 2 500 437 UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,516,823 229,345 Watson June 29, 1880 32; 355,184 Wehrle Nov. 23, 1886 2570930 746,624 Wood Dec. 8, 1903 r 72.4 Nordlund Aug. 26,1924 Nordlund June 7, 1927 Velazquez June 5, 1934 Hoban -1 Apr. 13, 1937 Caruso Dec. 14, 1948 Tandler et a1 Mar. 14, 1950 Ziegler July 25, 1950 Kelly July 31, 1951 Powell Aug. 21, 1951 Filo et a1. Oct. 9, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRE'CTIN Patent N00 2,895,582: July 21, 1959 Jack W Turner It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 17, line 18, for "completel" read completed line 34, for "'eigth" read sights column 19, lines '73 and '74, for "deergizing" read deenergize same colunm 19, line '74, for "a cam driven by the prime" read said being positioned to column 20, line 48, for "adopted" read =1== adapted Signed and sealed this 8th day of December 1959,

(SEAL) Attest:

KARL H, AXLINE ROBERT C. WATSON Commissioner of Patents Attesting Ofiicer 

